Sel roti


Sel roti is a traditional homemade ring-shaped rice bread originating from Nepal which is sweet in taste. It is mostly prepared during Dashain and Tihar, widely celebrated Hindu festivals in Nepal and Sikkim and Darjeeling regions in India where ethnic Nepalese people have presence.

Preparation and ingredients

It is made of rice flour with adding customized flavours. A semi-liquid rice flour dough is usually prepared by adding milk, water, cooking oil, sugar, ghee, butter, cardamom, cloves, bananas and other flavours of personal choice. The ingredients are mixed well by stirring. Once the semi liquid dough is ready, it is deep fried in boiling oil or ghee.
The dough is poured by hand on home-made shortening or oil in ring shape and cooked on high heat until it turns light brown on both sides. Two sticks called jhir in the local language, each long are used for turning the bread while cooking.
Sel roti are cooked in bulk and can be stored at room temperature for least 20 days. Sel roti are often sent as special gifts to family members living away from home or used as prasad in puja.

Occasions

Sel roti is a delicacy - made mainly for the great Nepali celebration of the Dashain and Tihar festivals.
It is unique to Nepal and has become an iconic symbol of Nepali culture and festivities, and is made and served throughout the country during the festivals of Dasain, Tihar and Teej; and during wedding parties, bratabandha and other ceremonies. Sel roti is also a traditional food in Nepali-speaking communities in India, namely Darjeeling, Sikkim, Siliguri and Kalimpong. It is an essential food in most Nepalese cultural and traditional events.

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